Makeshift Fort

Sunday breezes by in a joyful blur for Mix and Edin. As usual, they find ways to turn every moment into fun, from drawing together to making up silly stories.

Throughout the day, Earth calls for updates, his voice tired yet grateful. During one call, Mix asks if it’s okay to take Edin out to buy groceries. Earth, hearing the excitement in Edin’s background chatter, easily agrees.

When they step out of the taxi at the nearest mall, Edin is practically buzzing with excitement. But Mix notices how the little boy is trying to behave, walking calmly beside him and holding his hand. The sight of Edin’s barely contained energy makes Mix smile—Edin’s been taught well, and it’s clear he knows how to be respectful, even when his enthusiasm is brimming.

Once inside the grocery store, they grab a large shopping cart. Mix pushes it, and Edin, as tiny as he is, tries to help. His small arms barely reach the handle, and Mix chuckles softly at the sight.

"Do you wanna ride?" Mix asks, pointing to the cart’s child seat.

Edin’s eyes light up, and he nods eagerly, though he tries to keep his excitement contained. Mix quickly lifts him and places him in the seat, and Edin lets out a happy yelp, now comfortably perched at the front of the cart. From his new vantage point, Edin starts pointing at different things he wants, his tiny hand waving at colorful boxes and bags.

Mix picks out the essentials, adding a few things Edin points out. Most of them are healthy items like fruits, which Edin seems to love, so Mix indulges him without hesitation. After they’ve loaded the cart, they head to the cashier, where Edin watches with curiosity as the groceries are scanned.

Once everything is packed up, they head home.

Back at the apartment, they unpack the groceries together, with Edin helping to put items in the right places. Soon after, Mix starts preparing lunch, and Edin watches intently, occasionally offering his tiny but enthusiastic assistance.

The day passes in a blur of simple joys, and Mix feels a growing sense of warmth in these quiet, domestic moments with Edin.

They sit down to lunch, and Edin immediately takes a bite of the meal Mix prepared. His eyes widen in delight, a smile stretching across his face as he chews.

“Teacher Mix, this is so yummy!” he exclaims, his voice full of genuine admiration.

Mix grins, watching Edin's enthusiasm with a warm feeling blooming in his chest. “I’m glad you like it, Edin,” he replies, his own plate nearly empty.

As they finish their meal, Edin excitedly suggests, “Let’s send a picture to Daddy!” They both lean in, smiling for the camera, as Mix snaps a quick photo of them with their plates clean.

The picture is soon sent to Earth, accompanied by a playful caption about their delicious lunch.

Afterward, Edin jumps up from his chair, eager to help with the cleanup. “I’ll help with the dishes, Teacher Mix!” he announces, his small hands already reaching for the plates.

Mix chuckles at the boy’s enthusiasm. “Alright, but you might need a little help reaching the sink,” he says as he retrieves a small stool from the corner of the kitchen. He places it in front of the sink, and Edin climbs up, standing on his toes to reach the water.

With Mix by his side, they start washing the dishes together, Edin carefully scrubbing each plate with a sponge. The sink quickly fills with bubbles, and Edin giggles as he playfully swirls his hands through the soapy water, splashing a bit on Mix.

“Look, Teacher Mix, bubbles!” Edin laughs, his fingers dancing through the suds, creating small bubbles that float in the air.

Mix can’t help but laugh along, dipping his hand into the sink and sending a few bubbles flying toward Edin. “I see that! We’re making quite the bubble bath for these dishes.”

Their laughter fills the kitchen as they continue washing, turning what could have been a simple chore into a fun activity. By the time they finish, the dishes are sparkling clean, and the sink has been drained of its mountain of bubbles.

With the kitchen tidied and everything in its place, they both collapse onto the sofa in the living room, letting out a shared sigh of contentment. Mix and Edin rest on the sofa for a few minutes, enjoying the quiet after a busy morning. The sunlight pours through the window, casting a warm glow across the room.

Edin is snuggled against Mix's side, still full of energy despite their earlier grocery trip. Mix looks down at the boy and smiles, thinking of what they could do next.

“Do you want to build a fort, Edin?” Mix asks with a smile.

Edin's face lights up instantly. “Yes! A big one, like the ones in stories!”

Mix laughs softly, as they immediately vacate to the bedroom.

Mix watches as Edin starts grabbing cushions and pillows with enthusiasm. “Alright, we’ll make the biggest and coziest fort ever,” he says, pulling down a large blanket from the couch.

As they start to build, draping the blanket over the backs of chairs and stacking pillows to make walls, Edin suddenly stops and looks at Mix.

“Daddy tried to make a fort once,” he says with a small giggle. “But it was all wobbly. It kept falling down.”

Mix raises his eyebrows, amused. “Really?"

Edin nods, adjusting one of the chairs to support the blanket. “Daddy used big cushions, but they didn’t stay up. We kept fixing it, and he got all shy.”

He giggles again. “But it was still fun. Edin loved it."

Mix smiles, picturing Earth struggling to build the fort, his usual calm and composed demeanor falling apart as the cushions kept tumbling down. The image makes him feel warm inside. “It sounds like you two had a great time, even if it was wobbly.”

“We did,” Edin says fondly, smiling at the memory. “But this one is going to be better because Teacher Mix is here to help.”

Mix’s heart softens at the boy’s words, and they continue working on the fort.

They drape more blankets, anchor the edges with cushions, and even hang a small string of fairy lights inside to make it cozy. It’s not long before their creation takes shape—sturdy and snug, with just enough room for both of them to crawl inside.

As they sit together inside the fort, the glow of the fairy lights casting a soft light around them, Edin speaks up again. “Did you make forts when you were little, Teacher Mix?”

Mix nods, smiling at the memory. “I did. I used to make them with my mom. We’d spend hours building the perfect fort, then crawl inside and read books together. It was one of my favorite things to do.”

Edin falls quiet for a moment, looking at Mix with a curious expression.

“What’s it like to have a mama?” he asks softly, his voice filled with innocent curiosity.

The question catches Mix off guard. He looks down at Edin, who’s waiting for an answer, his small face lit up by the glow of the lights.

Mix takes a breath, not wanting to rush his response.

“It’s… great,” Mix says honestly, his voice gentle. “Having a mama is like having someone who always takes care of you, who makes you feel safe.”

Edin nods, absorbing Mix’s words, but his expression shifts to something more thoughtful.

He plays with the edge of a blanket for a moment before speaking again. “Do you think… Do you think I’ll ever have a mama?”

Mix’s heart aches a little at the question, and he’s unsure how to answer at first. He wonders what Edin is really asking. After a pause, he leans forward slightly, lowering his voice so it’s soft and steady.

“Edin,” he says gently, “Do you want to have a mama?”

The boy looks up at Mix, his eyes wide but serious, and for a moment he’s quiet, as if thinking deeply about what he really wants. Finally, Edin shakes his head slightly and says in a small voice, “I don’t know Teacher Mix… I just want someone who loves Daddy and me. Someone who will never leave us.”

Mix feels a lump form in his throat at the simplicity and honesty of Edin’s answer. His heart swells with emotion as he watches the boy, so young yet so aware of what truly matters. He reaches out and gently rests a hand on Edin’s shoulder. “That’s a beautiful thing to want, Edin. And you deserve that—someone who loves both you and your dad, someone who will always be there for you.”

Edin looks up at Mix, his eyes reflecting a quiet understanding. “Do you think we’ll ever have that?” he asks softly.

Mix takes a deep breath, feeling the weight of Edin’s question. “I believe you will,” he says, his voice firm yet kind. “You and your dad are such wonderful people, Edin. I’m sure that someday, someone will come along who will love you both with all their heart.”

The boy gives a small nod, his face thoughtful but calm. He seems to take comfort in Mix’s words, and after a few more moments of silence, he smiles faintly. “I hope so,” Edin whispers, and then, as if trying to lighten the mood, he looks around their fort and grins. “This is the best fort ever.”

Mix chuckles softly, feeling the tension ease as the conversation shifts. “It is, isn’t it?” he agrees, glancing around at their cozy creation.

They settle back into the fort, the quiet moment lingering between them, and for a while, they simply enjoy the comfort of their little hideaway. Mix can’t help but feel a deeper connection with Edin after their conversation, understanding more than ever the boy’s hopes and dreams for the future.

As they sit side by side in the fort, Mix feels an overwhelming sense of responsibility—not just to be there for Edin as a friend, but as someone who can offer the stability and love the boy craves. For now, though, he’s content to sit in the warmth of their makeshift fort, feeling the glow of their bond grow stronger with each passing moment.

As the sun sets, the soft glow of the evening filters through the windows, casting a golden hue over the blanket fort Mix and Edin built. Inside, the air feels warm and cozy, filled with the faint scent of the books they’ve been reading. Mix sits cross-legged on the floor with a book in hand, his voice soft and animated as he reads aloud.

Edin, tucked beside him under the blankets, listens intently, eyes wide with wonder as Mix brings the story to life. As the tale reaches a playful part, Mix asks, “And what did the elephant say?”

When no response comes, Mix pauses, turning his head to look at Edin. The boy, who moments ago was brimming with energy, is now fast asleep, his small chest rising and falling with soft, steady breaths. His face is peaceful, lips slightly parted as he drifts into dreams.

Mix chuckles quietly, his heart swelling with affection. He gently places the book down and carefully tugs the blanket higher over Edin’s small body, making sure he’s warm. Quietly, Mix slips out of the fort, careful not to make any noise that might wake Edin. He moves through the living room, tidying up the scattered pillows and blankets, folding them neatly as the room gradually dims.

The warmth of the setting sun fades, replaced by the soft, artificial light from the lamps. As Mix finishes putting everything in order, his phone buzzes on the table.

It's Earth, messaging to say he’s just finished work and is on his way to Mix’s apartment. Mix smiles as he types a quick reply: “Okay. Take care.”

Not long after, there’s a gentle knock at the door. Mix walks over and opens it, greeted by Earth’s tired but warm smile. His face looks weary, but his eyes light up when he sees Mix.

“Hi,” Earth says softly, his voice laced with exhaustion.

“Hi,” Mix replies, stepping aside to let him in. “Edin’s asleep.”

Earth nods, gratitude evident in his expression as he steps inside. Mix quietly closes the door behind him. Earth sinks into the couch, his body clearly in need of rest after the long day.

Without a word, Mix heads to the kitchen, retrieving a glass of water. He hands it to Earth, who takes it gratefully, murmuring a soft “Thank you” before taking a long drink. Mix sits down at the far end of the couch, giving Earth some space, though the quiet between them feels comfortable, unspoken.

“How was Edin?” Earth asks after placing the empty glass on the small table in front of them. There’s a softness in his voice, the kind that only a father could have when asking about his child.

“He’s great, Earth,” Mix replies, his tone sincere. "Never a dull moment with him.”

Earth’s smile widens, his heart clearly touched by Mix’s words. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Mix shifts slightly, leaning back against the couch. “And you? How was work?”

“Tiring, as usual,” Earth chuckles, running a hand through his hair. “But thank God it’s over now.”

“That’s good,” Mix says, nodding. They sit in silence for a moment before Earth speaks again.

“I’m really thankful for letting Edin stay here, Mix,” Earth says, turning to face him fully. “Really, I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”

"It's the least I can do," Mix replies.

There’s a pause, and Mix can sense that Earth wants to say something more. His body language shifts, his shoulders slumping slightly as if a weight is pressing down on him. Earth takes a breath before speaking again. “You know, sometimes I feel... I feel insecure,” he admits, his voice quieter now. “Other people get to spend time with my son, but I barely get the chance to because of work. I hate that. But at the same time... I’m grateful that you’re always here for him.”

The vulnerability in Earth’s voice hits Mix deeply. He can hear the struggle—the guilt, the love, and the conflict Earth feels.

Mix gives him a sympathetic look. “Earth, I understand,” he says gently. “You’re doing your best, and work is important. You’re doing it for Edin’s future. And believe me, you’re already making amends. Edin knows how much you love him and everyday he gives that love back to other people."

Earth nods, his eyes softening with gratitude, but his expression shifts, becoming more pensive. “It’s just... I didn’t expect to be doing this alone.”

Mix stays silent, waiting as Earth opens up further.

“Her name was Namtan" Earth starts, his voice thick with emotiong. "Things were good with her in the beginning. We were college sweethearts. And when we had Edin... it wasn’t planned, but we were determined to make it work."

"It was hard—both of us had just graduated, and her parents didn’t approve of me. Still, we fought for our love.”

Earth pauses, his voice cracking slightly. “What hurts the most is that.. I didn’t expect her to leave. One day, she was just... gone. She left Edin and me without any explanation. I was left raising him on my own.”

Mix feels a sharp ache in his chest, his heart breaking for Earth. He watches as Earth wipes at his eyes, his voice trembling slightly as he continues. “I thought we were a family, you know? I didn’t see it coming.”

A tear escapes down Earth’s cheek, and Mix can’t take it anymore. He moves closer, gently placing a hand on Earth’s back. “You’ve been through so much, Earth. But you’re strong. Look at how much you’ve done for Edin."

Earth leans into Mix, the weight of his exhaustion, both physical and emotional, finally breaking free. He lets out a shaky breath, his head resting on Mix’s shoulder as silent tears fall. Mix’s hand moves in soothing circles on Earth’s back, his touch gentle but steady, offering comfort without words.

"And you’re not alone anymore—you have friends," Mix says. "And you have me.”

For a while, they stay like that—Earth letting go of everything he’s been holding in, and Mix being there for him, steady and unwavering. It take a great amount of courage to be able to express yourself, show others your weakness, and allow yourself to be vulnerable at some point. Sometimes, you don't always have to be strong and so, Mix's heart aches for Earth but he also is proud of him.

The quiet surrounds them for a while until a small voice breaks the quiet.

“Daddy?”

They both turn to see Edin, standing in the doorway, rubbing his eyes sleepily. Mix lets go of Earth as the elder quickly wipes at his tears, forcing a smile as he opens his arms. “Come here, buddy.”

Edin shuffles over, climbing into his father’s arms and mumbling, “I miss you, Daddy.”

Earth holds him tightly, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “I missed you too, bud.”

After a few moments of quiet, Earth decides it’s time to head home. Mix helps gather their bags, while Earth holds a drowsy Edin in his arms. Mix walks with them to the car, carefully placing their bags in the backseat. Edin, still half-asleep, is settled into the passenger seat.

Before getting into the car, Earth turns to Mix, his eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper—an unspoken connection. “Thank you, Mix. For everything.”

Mix nods, but before he can respond, Earth steps closer. Gently, Earth presses a soft kiss to Mix’s forehead. The simple gesture is full of meaning, and for a moment, Earth doesn’t pull away. Instead, he rests his forehead against Mix’s, his breath warm, their shared closeness filled with emotions neither can quite put into words.

When Earth finally pulls back, there’s a quiet understanding between them—something unspoken, but deeply felt. They both know that whatever happens next, their bond has grown stronger, but the path ahead surely remains uncertain.

:just a short update for this chapter. thank you for still sticking around (that is, if you're still reading this one). let's continue being together for the next following chapters 🖤 thank you for those who are voting for down bad, ily~